Dubai summers are not for the faint of heart. With temperatures often soaring above 45°C, it can feel like walking into an open oven every time you step outside. But for residents and expats who call this desert city home, the summer is just another season—one that comes with its own set of challenges, hacks, and creative cooling solutions.
If you’ve ever wondered how people manage to keep their cool—literally and emotionally—while living in one of the hottest cities in the world, this guide is for you. Here’s a humanised take on practical and real-life tips to help you beat the heat and enjoy summer life in Dubai without melting.
Dress Smart, Not Just Stylish
Dubai is known for fashion-forward residents, but summer here is all about balancing comfort and class. The key lies in your fabric choices and fit. Breathable materials like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking fabrics become your best friends. Loose silhouettes not only keep you cooler but also help in avoiding heat rashes.
Choose light colours over dark ones—white, beige, pastels—these reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. And if you’re heading outdoors, don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or shawl to shield your neck and shoulders. You can still be fashionable without sweating buckets.
Master the Art of Hydration
Staying hydrated in Dubai’s summer is not just about drinking water—it’s about doing it right. You’ll find yourself sweating more, even in short intervals outside. That means your body is losing fluids faster than usual.
Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere. Set hourly reminders to sip water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint to your bottle for an added boost of freshness. Coconut water, fresh juices, and electrolyte drinks can also help keep your body balanced.
Also, watch your caffeine and alcohol intake. Both tend to dehydrate you faster, so try to balance them out with plenty of water.
Make Your Home a Cool Sanctuary
Your home should be your escape from the heat, not a second oven. Thankfully, Dubai homes are built with insulation and AC in mind. But there are still a few tricks that can make a big difference.
Invest in blackout curtains or thermal blinds to keep out the sun’s rays during the hottest part of the day. Use ceiling fans along with the AC to circulate the cool air better. Switch to lighter bed linens—cotton or bamboo sheets can keep you cool at night.
If you want to go a step further, try placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a DIY air cooler. It might sound old-school, but it works.
Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely
The golden rule? Avoid being outdoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. unless absolutely necessary. The sun is at its peak and your body will heat up faster than you expect.
If you’re into fitness or enjoy being outside, opt for early mornings or late evenings. Head to the beach for a walk around sunrise or enjoy a jog after sunset. Many parks also stay open late, and some even have misting stations to help cool you off.
Planning your errands and commutes around these hours can also make daily life more bearable. Your mood will thank you.
Embrace Indoor Leisure
Summer in Dubai is the perfect excuse to explore everything the city offers indoors. From world-class malls to art galleries, cafes, and indoor adventure parks, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun and stay cool.
Take this time to discover local indoor gems. Join a painting class, pick up indoor yoga, or explore cafes you’ve never tried before. Many of them offer summer discounts or happy hours, giving you more reason to enjoy without sweating it out.
Indoor pools and spas are also ideal for unwinding. Many gyms and residential buildings offer shaded or temperature-controlled pools, making swimming a relaxing escape even in peak summer.
Eat Light, Eat Right
Summer calls for a change in your diet, and your body will thank you for it. Heavier meals can make you feel sluggish, especially when your body is already working overtime to stay cool.
Opt for light, refreshing foods—salads, fruits, grilled vegetables, and smoothies. Water-rich fruits like watermelon, pineapple, oranges, and cucumbers are perfect choices.
Try to avoid deep-fried or overly spicy dishes during the day. While spices can actually help cool the body in small doses, overeating hot and greasy food under the sun is a recipe for discomfort.
Stay Cool on the Move
Dubai life involves a lot of driving, and stepping into a car that’s been parked under the sun is a whole new level of torture. Keep a windshield sunshade in your car and cover your steering wheel with a cloth or light glove when parked. Leather seats? Use towels to cover them if they get too hot.
Let your AC run for a few minutes before driving off and keep a portable fan or cooling mist spray in your bag for emergencies. Small steps, but they can help you avoid that first five minutes of oven-like discomfort.
Practice Sun-Safe Skincare
Skincare isn’t just about beauty—it’s about health. Dubai sun can be extremely harsh on your skin, causing sunburn, dehydration, and premature ageing if you’re not careful.
Always use sunscreen with high SPF, even if you’re indoors most of the day. UV rays can still penetrate windows. Reapply every few hours, especially if you’re outside or sweating.
Use aloe vera-based moisturisers and cooling masks in your nighttime routine to soothe the skin. A simple cucumber face mask after a hot day can do wonders.
Create a Chill-First Mindset
Let’s face it—summer in Dubai can test your patience. The heat, the humidity, the constant hopping from AC to AC—it can wear you down if you’re not mentally prepared.
Accept that the heat is part of the city’s charm. Create routines that support your comfort. Be kinder to yourself on particularly hot days and don’t over-schedule. Swap long outdoor brunches for cosy indoor game nights or movie marathons.
Sometimes, the best way to stay cool is to stay calm.
Explore Summer Staycations
Dubai’s hospitality industry knows how intense the summer can be, which is why you’ll find unbelievable deals on staycations during this time. Luxurious hotels, beachfront resorts, and desert retreats offer discounted summer packages complete with chilled pools and indoor experiences.
Plan short getaways that allow you to unwind in AC comfort while feeling like you’re on holiday. It’s a great way to beat the heat without even leaving the city.
Use Tech to Your Advantage
There’s an app for everything—including surviving summer. Use weather apps to track heatwave warnings or high UV index days. Delivery apps can save you from making midday trips for groceries or errands.
There are even apps for hydration reminders, indoor workouts, and mental wellness—all tools that can help you manage the physical and emotional toll of high temperatures.
Smart AC systems, automated blinds, and cooling gadgets have also become more affordable. These small upgrades can make your home more efficient and your daily life more pleasant.
Listen to Your Body
Above all, pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you start to feel dizzy, overly tired, or nauseous, find shade, hydrate immediately, and rest. Heat exhaustion is real and can happen faster than you think.
Don’t ignore small signs—your body works hard in extreme heat, so the more you support it, the better you’ll feel.
Rest when needed, fuel yourself wisely, and give yourself permission to slow down.
Living Through Dubai Summer, Your Way
Surviving the summer in Dubai doesn’t mean hiding indoors for three months. It’s about adapting, creating smart routines, and embracing the season with the right mindset and tools.
Everyone has their own version of what works—whether it’s a perfectly chilled home setup, post-sunset walks, or discovering the joy of iced everything. What matters most is listening to your needs, respecting the sun’s power, and creating comfort in your own way.
After all, if you can thrive through a Dubai summer, you can thrive anywhere.
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